Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
One Shot: Annual Brimstone Cup clash tonight
Chicago and FC Dallas will meet up for their only 2017 clash in the Windy City on Thursday night (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Last season, FCD snapped a four-game losing streak in the series with a 3-1 home victory. PREVIEW
One of the most-improved outfits in the league, Chicago currently stand second in the East. Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez has a message for all those eager to jump on the team's bandwagon: Welcome aboard, we'll make room. READ MORE
Kinnear up for Cali Clasico
San Jose coach Dominic Kinnear says he's always eager for their derby with the LA Galaxy, saying that the Clasico – which kicks its 2017 edition Saturday (10 pm ET | Univision; facebook.com/univisiondeportes; MLS LIVE in Canada) – brings out the best in both sides. READ MORE
Dynamo's Elis back in the game
Houston are expecting winger Alberth Elis to be back in the selection when they visit derby rivals FC Dallas on Sunday (8 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada). The Honduras attacker, who has five goals on the season, has missed Houston's last two games. READ MORE
Elsewhere, Real Salt Lake are hoping to return right back Tony Beltran to action when the red-hot Philadelphia Union come calling on Saturday. READ MORE
Lost in transition
The local Dispatch makes note of how Columbus have dropped points because they have troubles defending opponents on the break. READ MORE
USL stock paying off for MLS squads
Soccer America scribe Paul Kennedy looks at how investment in USL second teams is paying big dividends for MLS clubs, with the LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake leading the way in transferring the success toward the first team. READ MORE
Who will Arena call in for USMNT?
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has taken a stab at predicting the squad USMNT manager Bruce Arena will summon ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico. READ MORE
Yedlin drops by old stomping ground
Fresh from an English Championship season that saw him help Newcastle United back into the Premier League, DeAndre Yedlin made a training visit to former employers Seattle. READ MORE
US U-20s step closer to World Cup Knockouts
On the heels of Monday's thrilling 3-3 comeback draw vs. Ecuador, the US Under-20 national team dispatched Senegal, 1-0, at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea. Josh Sargent scored the winner – his third goal in two games – off an attack initiated by New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams. RECAP
The victory puts the US in prime position to advance against Saudi Arabia on Sunday (5 am ET | FS1, FOX Sports GO); a draw would seal an undefeated round and put them through, a victory guarantees the top spot in Group F. STANDINGS | SCHEDULE
U.S. Soccer HOF nominees announced
Former LA Galaxy star David Beckham, ex-Houston strike ace Brian Ching, Colorado boss Pablo Mastroeni and longtime US international Steve Cherundolo join MLS goalkeeping standard-bearer Kevin Hartman as among the first-time nominees for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. READ MORE
Friedlander puts MLS stars on the spot
Comedian/MLS fan Judah Friedlander met up with league stars like Tim Howard, Kaká and Kei Kamara to put them through his brand of interview. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Musts
